Green Gates Primary School, located in Redcar, North Yorkshire, was inspected on 13 and 14 September 2022. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, with specific areas such as behaviour and attitudes, and personal development receiving outstanding ratings. The quality of education and leadership and management were also rated as good, while early years provision was similarly assessed as good. This was the first inspection under section five of the Education Act 2005, as the school had not been previously inspected.
Pupils at Green Gates Primary School feel a strong sense of belonging and are actively engaged in school life, contributing through various leadership roles. The school fosters a positive environment where bullying is rare, and students express that they feel safe. The enthusiasm of the staff plays a significant role in creating a welcoming atmosphere, with pupils eager to attend school and excited about learning. However, some students struggle to recall what they have learned, indicating a need for improvement in knowledge retention.
The school has high expectations for the depth of subject knowledge that pupils acquire. The curriculum is well-sequenced, allowing students to build their knowledge over time across various subjects. Nonetheless, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that the curriculum emphasizes the specific knowledge and skills necessary for long-term retention. For instance, in early years and Year 1, there is insufficient practice in writing simple words and number formation, which affects the writing quality of some pupils, especially those with special educational needs and disabilities.
Senior leaders have prioritized effective training for subject leaders, ensuring they support teachers in delivering content confidently. Teachers design tasks that encourage pupils to apply their knowledge in engaging ways, such as in science, where students articulate their understanding of scientific methods. The curriculum also emphasizes subject-specific vocabulary, with teachers introducing this vocabulary in a logical order, enabling pupils to use it appropriately in their work.
The teaching of early reading is effective, with a well-structured phonics program in place. Pupils practice initial letter sounds regularly, which aids their ability to blend sounds into words as they progress. Support is provided for those who struggle with reading, ensuring that reading materials align with their phonics knowledge.
Behaviour management is a strong point at Green Gates Primary School, with staff building positive relationships with pupils and maintaining a calm and orderly atmosphere. Vulnerable pupils receive excellent support, allowing them to engage fully in school activities. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular experiences, including trips and visits from experts, which enrich pupils' learning and personal development.
Staff express satisfaction with the support they receive from leaders, particularly regarding workload management. The school is part of the Galileo Multi-Academy Trust, which facilitates collaboration among schools and provides opportunities for professional development. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with strong relationships established between the designated safeguarding leader and families, ensuring that pupils receive necessary support.
To improve, the school needs to focus on enhancing the curriculum to emphasize essential subject-specific knowledge that pupils must retain. This will help address the challenges some younger pupils face in writing and number formation, ensuring they can recall crucial information effectively. Overall, Green Gates Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and enriching educational environment for its pupils.
